Long-term effects of prenatal x-ray of human females: mortality and morbidity
Experimental studies and long-term studies of humans exposed to ionizing radiation in utero and after birth show that these exposures increase the risk of cancer in childhood and in later life. A possible life-shortening effect has also been reported. This study followed to their mid-twenties 1458 women exposed in utero to diagnostic x-rays and 1458 matched, unexposed controls in Baltimore, Maryland, and obtained responses from over 100 women in each group. Information about general health and specific diseases was obtained from questionnaires. Deaths were ascertained through family members and death certificates. Mortality rates were slightly higher among exposure. Exposed women reported poor general health significantly more often than controls. Specific diseases occurred similarly in the two groups, although exposed women reported more epilepsy or fits, more ovarian tumors, and more high blood pressure. These strong correlation between weight and high blood pressure and the heavier weights of exposed women seemed to account for this difference. In summary, these matched exposed and control women, followed to their mid-twenties, experienced similar rates of morbidity and mortality. Radiation-induced cancers and life-shortening effects, if any, might not become evident until older ages.
- Research Organization:
- Johns Hopkins Univ. School of Hygiene and Public Health, Baltimore, MD
- OSTI ID:
- 6059762
- Journal Information:
- Am. J. Epidemiol.; (United States), Vol. 114:3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Long-term effects of prenatal x-ray of human females: reproductive experience
THE EFFECTS OF X-RADIATION ON WORK CAPACITY AND LONGEVITY OF THE DOG. TENTH ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
Related Subjects
PRENATAL IRRADIATION
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
X RADIATION
DELAYED RADIATION EFFECTS
EPILEPSY
FEMALE GENITALS
FERTILITY
FETUSES
GYNECOLOGY
LOW DOSE IRRADIATION
OOCYTES
PREGNANCY
REPRODUCTION
REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS
STERILITY
WOMEN
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
DISEASES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FEMALES
GERM CELLS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
IRRADIATION
MAMMALS
MAN
MEDICINE
NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES
ORGANS
PRENATAL EXPOSURE
PRIMATES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
VERTEBRATES
560151* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Man